House Passes Bill to Strip Washington D.C. of Sanctuary City Protections [WATCH]

The U.S. House of Representatives on Thursday night passed legislation aimed at ending sanctuary city policies in Washington, D.C., with support from a coalition of Republicans and 11 House Democrats.

HR 2056: DC should comply with federal immigration law… pic.twitter.com/eKHD1wh4fB

— Rep. Clay Higgins (@RepClayHiggins) June 12, 2025

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The bill, if enacted into law, would require the District of Columbia to fully comply with federal immigration laws and cooperate with federal immigration enforcement agencies.

The legislation passed by a vote of 224–194, with 11 Democrats siding with Republicans.

DC WILL NOT BE A SANCTUARY CITY!

While we grill the sanctuary governors of IL, NY, and MN for putting Americans at risk, the House passed @RepClayHiggins‘ bill banning DC from enacting policies to protect illegals from ICE.

Our nation’s capital should exemplify LAW & ORDER. pic.twitter.com/3hX3LC0zA4

— Oversight Committee (@GOPoversight) June 12, 2025

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The measure specifically targets policies that currently limit D.C.’s ability to share immigration status information with the Department of Homeland Security and restrict local officials from honoring detainer requests issued by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

The city of DC, our nation’s capital, should abide by federal immigration law… pic.twitter.com/MO18RXSRgi

— Rep. Clay Higgins (@RepClayHiggins) June 12, 2025

If passed by the Senate and signed into law, the bill would override D.C. ordinances that prohibit cooperation with federal immigration authorities, including policies that prevent local law enforcement from notifying ICE about the release of individuals in custody who are subject to removal proceedings.

The vote follows recent protests in major cities across the United States in response to ICE operations, particularly a large-scale arrest campaign in Los Angeles involving suspected illegal aliens.

Demonstrations and riots erupted in several cities following the arrests.

House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) referenced those events in remarks following the bill’s passage.

“The inexcusable violence in Los Angeles is the latest example of what happens when cities put left-wing political agendas ahead of public safety,” Johnson said.

“For years, D.C. leaders have followed the lead of sanctuary states like California and New York, choosing to shield illegal aliens from federal law instead of protecting American citizens.”

The bill’s supporters argue that sanctuary policies obstruct federal immigration enforcement and contribute to increased crime and public safety concerns.

.@RepClayHiggins has the attitude the rest of the GOP should have. pic.twitter.com/U1T6rRVn4j

— Gunther Eagleman™ (@GuntherEagleman) June 12, 2025

Opponents, including most House Democrats, argue the legislation infringes on local autonomy and targets immigrant communities.

Despite those objections, 11 Democrats broke with their party and voted in favor of the legislation, signaling bipartisan concern over the implications of sanctuary city policies.

The District of Columbia has maintained policies limiting cooperation with ICE since 2011, when then-Mayor Vincent Gray signed an executive order prohibiting city agencies from inquiring about immigration status or holding individuals beyond their scheduled release unless presented with a criminal detainer warrant.

Those policies were expanded under subsequent leadership, including current D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, who has reiterated the city’s sanctuary status amid national debates over immigration enforcement.

The House bill, introduced earlier this year, marks the latest attempt by Republican lawmakers to address what they describe as a breakdown in federal immigration enforcement at the local level.

Similar bills targeting sanctuary jurisdictions have previously passed in the House but failed to gain traction in the Senate.

The Senate, now under Republican control, has not yet scheduled a vote on the measure.

If passed, the legislation would be sent to President Donald Trump for approval.

The Department of Homeland Security has consistently advocated for full cooperation from local jurisdictions in federal immigration enforcement, arguing that sanctuary policies hinder their ability to apprehend individuals who pose a risk to public safety.

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